Executive Assistant to the Archdeacons & Designated Officer

Executive Assistant to the Archdeacons & Designated Officer for Clergy Appointments

Full-time (35 hours per week)

£30,000 - £32,000 per annum

Are you an experienced PA/Executive Assistant with a flair for effective diary management, problem solving, multi-tasking and meeting coordination? If so, please read on!

We are seeking to appoint an Executive Assistant to provide high-quality support to the three Archdeacons of Sudbury, Suffolk and Ipswich, ensuring the smooth and effective operation of their respective ministries and administrative responsibilities. In addition, the successful Executive Assistant will also act as the Designated Officer for Clergy Appointments and work closely with our Clergy HR Administrator overseeing the clergy recruitment and appointment processes to ensure all appointments are conducted lawfully, safely and in accordance with diocesan and safeguarding requirements.

To this end, we are looking for an organised, confident and engaging Executive Assistant, preferably with experience of managing competing diaries and administrative tasks for a number of senior leaders. This will include preparing meeting materials and taking minutes when needed, communicating with a variety of Lay and clergy stakeholders and effectively managing confidential and sensitive information.

While you don’t need to have any diocesan, recruitment or HR experience, the successful candidate will be responsible for managing aspects of the clergy appointment process. To that end, you will need the confidence and willingness to learn and apply the required governance and regulated processes and collaborate with our Clergy HR Administrator to ensure a seamless, end-to-end clergy recruitment and appointment process.

This is a broad and busy role but one where the right candidate can have a positive impact on the efficient management of three Archdeacon’s offices and the governance of the clergy appointment process. We’d love to hear from you if you feel this could be you!

The DBF is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All postholders and volunteers are expected to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to acceptable pre-appointment checks, including a satisfactory DBS check where required.

For an informal conversation please email Penny Longford, People Director or call on 07394 568401 to arrange a suitable time.

Please note: Applications will only be accepted via DBF application form below. CVs will not be accepted.

Applications marked ‘Confidential Application’ to be sent to: HR@cofesuffolk.org or by post to Diocesan Office, St Nicholas Centre, 4 Cutler Street, Ipswich IP1 1UQ.

Closing Date for Applications: 15 June 2026

Interview Date: 2 July 2026

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Application Form | DOCX

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